Nanning, capital city of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a provincial-level area in southern China, is renowned for its lush greenery and serves as the venue for the China-ASEAN Expo.
For a first visit to Guangxi province, Guilin is a preferable destination over Nanning due to its world-famous attractions and picturesque landscapes. However, if you would like to see more of southern China's natural beauty and rural life, a trip around Nanning could be the perfect fit for you.
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- 1. Top Places to Visit around Nanning
- 2. How to Travel To and Get Around Nanning
- 3. How Long to Spend on a Round Trip from Nanning
- 4. Itinerary Suggestions for a Round Trip from Nanning
- 5. Best Times to Visit Nanning and Its Surrounding Areas
- 6. What to Eat in Nanning and Its Surrounding Areas
- 7. How Much Does It Cost for a Round Trip from Nanning?
1. Top Places to Visit around Nanning
1) Detian Waterfall — the Largest Transnational Waterfall in Asia
Experience the awe-inspiring Detian Waterfall, also known as Ban Gioc – Detian Falls, situated on the China-Vietnam border.
Explore the waterfall up close by taking a bamboo raft to its base, ascend an overlooking mountain on a 'Magic Carpet' for a panoramic view from the cliff's glass walkway, and enjoy a thrilling descent on its marble slide.
Take bamboo rafts for Detian Waterfall viewing2) Mingshi Scenic Area — Classic Karst Landscape
Just an hour's drive from Detian Waterfall lies Mingshi Garden, which is known as "Little Guilin" for its striking karst formations and serene rural scenery.
It is recommended to take a bamboo raft down the river and enjoy the enchanting scenery flanking both sides. Spend at least a night there to connect with nature, calmed by the gentle chirping of crickets and surrounded by mountains and streams.
3) Tongling Large Barranca — Deep Blind Valley
Tongling Large Barranca is a natural wonder blending tropical rainforests, a waterfall with a drop of up to 188 meters (617 feet), and hidden canyon caves. Take a leisurely hike with a private guide through this oxygen-rich haven, inhaling the fresh air and enjoying the breathtaking gorge landscapes.
Tongling Large Barranca4) Baimo Cave — the Secret of Longevity
Baimo Cave is famous for its stunning natural rock formations, unique limestone caves, and beautiful subterranean rivers.
What's more, its vast chambers, giant sinkholes, and meandering passages attract tourists and cave explorers from around the world. Don't miss the opportunity to sip the spring water, which is drunk by most of the centenarians in Bama and is said to be able to cure all diseases.
5) Dashiwei Tiankeng Group National Geopark — the Largest Sinkhole Complex in the World
Discover the magnificence of Dashiwei Tiankeng Group National Geopark, home to awe-inspiring limestone formations, particularly the colossal tiankengs (sinkholes) that dominate the landscape.
These tiankengs are enormous and deep natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of underground caverns, making them a popular destination for geology enthusiasts, adventurers, and nature lovers.
Dashiwei Tiankeng Group2. How to Travel To and Get Around Nanning
Travel to Nanning, capital of Guangxi province, offers convenient options for visitors. Direct cross-border flights are available from most Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. For example, direct flights from Singapore take about 4 hours, Kuala Lumpur approximately 3½ hours, and Jakarta about 5 hours.
Traveling around Nanning, you'd find the highlights around Nanning are scattered far and wide, making it difficult to travel around by public transportation. A private transfer service (which we provide) is your best shot to maximize a trip around Nanning, granting you a leisurely pace with a private guide introducing the area and more time to enjoy this adventure rather than arranging and negotiating transport.
3. How Long to Spend on a Round Trip from Nanning
If you only want a short trip, we suggest spending at least 3 days on a trip to Detian Waterfall, Tongling Large Barranca, and Mingshi Scenic Area. Typically, we would suggest staying for 2 nights in Mingshi Scenic Area for its relaxing ambiance.
However, if you are not so interested in Mingshi Scenic Area, you could skip the half-day there, just go to Detian Waterfall and Tongling's gorge, and then return to Nanning, saving one night's hotel fee and making this a potential weekend trip.
To appreciate all the main highlights around Nanning on a more comprehensive journey, you would need 5 days. You would see more awe-inspiring natural wonders at a leisurely pace, including Baimo Cave and Dashiwei Tiankeng Group National Geopark.
Karst scenery in Mingshi Scenic Area4. Itinerary Suggestions for a Round Trip from Nanning
Below are two itinerary ideas for inspiration. All of our itineraries are customizable so feel free to contact us for a hassle-free private tour that's exactly what you want.
1) 3-Day Round Trip from Nanning
This time-smart itinerary is packed with natural beauty and is perfect for business travelers or those passing through Nanning who are looking for a weekend trip to enjoy Detian Waterfall and Tongling Large Barranca, witness the amazing natural wonders, and then stay in Mingshi Scenic Area at night to enjoy the rural scenery.
- Day 1: Embark from Nanning and visit Goose Spring and Tongling Large Barranca. Spend the night at Mingshi Scenic Area.
- Day 2: Go biking and bamboo rafting in Mingshi Scenic Area and visit Detian Waterfall.
- Day 3: Go back to Nanning.
After about a 3-hour drive from Nanning, you would reach Tongling Large Barranca for a light hike to explore the native forest vegetation and appreciate the waterfall that seems to fall from the sky. You would not regret visiting Detian Waterfall due to its huge width of cascades and stunning views from both near and far.
Before being amazed by the spectacular Detian Waterfall, we would like to introduce you to its source, Goose Spring, which is famed as one of the three amazing springs in southwest China. Wander in the village beside the spring, watch shadows of bamboo reflected by the turquoise water, and get lost in its picturesque charm.
Your day with us in Mingshi Scenic Area would be both varied and relaxing. Take a bamboo raft down the river, ride a bicycle around the village, and soak up the peaceful ambiance surrounded by rice fields and bamboo forests.
Verdant scenery of Goose Spring2) 5-Day Round Trip from Nanning
This itinerary extends the 3-day round trip above, adding more outdoor activities and natural spots, for 5 days of fun while appreciating the beauty of nature. It particularly suits nature lovers, active couples, and families with teenagers.
- Day 1: Embark from Nanning and visit Baimo Cave and Bainiao Rock.
- Day 2: Visit Dashiwei Tiankeng Group National Geopark.
- Day 3: Go rappelling at Fengzidang Tiankeng.
- Day 4: Visit Goose Spring and Tongling Large Barranca. Spend the night at Mingshi Scenic Area.
- Day 5: Visit Detian Waterfall and then return to Nanning.
Your first day would be spent cave exploring in Bama town. It is said that in Baimo Cave, behind the winding roads and huge sinkholes, lies the secret of the longevity of its many centenarians.
Venture further to Bainiao Rock, which is only accessible by boat, allowing you to drift through turquoise waters, witness the cave's beauty, and immerse yourself in its tranquil light and shadows.
Baimo CaveThen, transfer to Leye town to see the huge group of sinkholes (tiankeng). Dashiwei Tiankeng has a vertical depth of 613 meters (about 2,000 feet). Step onto the glass viewing platform and see clouds floating under your feet!
You may wonder what is in the sinkhole and you could see for yourself. We highly recommend rappelling down Fengzidang Tiankeng, hiking down the winding road with your experienced local tour guide, and discovering mysterious underground caves.
Exciting rappelling experience down Tiankeng5. Best Times to Visit Nanning and Its Surrounding Areas
The best times to visit Nanning and its surrounding areas are during its spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer pleasant weather with sunny days, which are perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Although summer (June to August) is the flood season for Detian Waterfall and the scenery is magnificent, we still suggest avoiding this period due to the humid and hot weather.
The lack of shade in the Detian Waterfall Scenic Area means long wait times in the sun during the peak summer season. Tongling Large Barranca is hot and very humid in summer due to its blind valley terrain, and even a light hike would become very strenuous.
Winter (December to February) is mild and cool for sightseeing, but it is also the dry season, so Detian Waterfall would be less impressive. However, the low season offers advantages, such as fewer crowds and better prices, making it ideal for planning a budget trip.
Admire Detian Waterfall on sunny days6. What to Eat in Nanning and Its Surrounding Areas
Nanning cuisine, which is also called Gui cuisine, is famous for its natural and pollution-free ingredients with original flavors.
Laoyoufen, which means 'old friend rice noodles' in Chinese, consists of rice noodles topped with a flavorful sauce made from pork, pickled bamboo shoots, peanuts, and various seasonings, and is known for its savory and slightly sour taste.
Another local delicacy in the area is snail and duck feet stew. This dish combines the unique textures and flavors of snails and duck feet in a rich broth made with herbs and spices. It is a favorite among locals and visitors for its exotic taste.
If you find you don't like certain local cuisine, ask your tour guide for advice, and we could always find something that suits you as there are many less-exotic options.
7. How Much Does a Round Trip from Nanning Cost?
Generally speaking, a Guangxi trip would cost you less than in other regions of China, since it is a developing province and most hotels near the scenic spots are simply B&B inns.
- A decent 3-star hotel normally costs about 40 USD per night and about 70 USD per night during the peak season. Special hotels may cost you more by offering special services, for example, tents on a cliff may cost about 180 USD per night.
- Experiences like visiting a local family or biking cost about 20 to 40 USD per person.
- Entrance tickets are normally about 10 USD, but some extra activities bring additional more, such as taking a bamboo raft or cable car.
A private tour for a round trip from Nanning might cost about 100 to 150 USD per day. The price includes English-speaking guided touring, stays in 4-star hotels, entrance tickets to attractions, and private transfers, guaranteeing you a hassle-free travel experience.
Considering planning a trip during the peak season? Please reach out to us as soon as possible to book your tour in advance and benefit from an early bird discount.